Razzmatazz!: The Poetry World of Roger Stevens
What’s inside...
The poem explores the speaker's favorite words, mentioning various examples like CRUNCHY, FIZZLE, and TOASTCARPET, but concludes that LOVING is the word they love the most. It also touches on other subjects such as family members, school, and pets, painting a vivid picture of the speaker's life and interests.
Age
7-9
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they encountered each challenge in the poems?
Which poem was your favorite and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to a character in one of the poems?
What do you think the poet wants us to learn from these poems?
How do the illustrations enhance your understanding or enjoyment of the poems?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the poems, relate them to personal experiences or feelings that your child may have had, making the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the poems, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with the material.
Ask your child to pick their favorite illustration and explain why it stands out to them, integrating visual literacy with their reading comprehension.
After reading a poem, pause to ask predictive questions about what might happen next or how a character might be feeling, enhancing critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of creativity
Explanation: Through the diverse and imaginative poems in 'Razzmatazz!', children are encouraged to explore and express their own creativity.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by engaging in creative writing or art projects, thinking outside the box to solve problems, and expressing themselves uniquely in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for poetry and language
Explanation: Roger Stevens uses a variety of poetic techniques that highlight the beauty and flexibility of language, fostering a love for poetry.
Real-World Application: Children can participate in poetry readings, write their own poems, or play word games that enhance their language skills and appreciation for nuanced communication.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The poems offer views from different perspectives, teaching children to consider and empathize with thoughts and feelings other than their own.
Real-World Application: This can help children in social situations to better understand their peers, leading to more harmonious interactions and strengthened friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of humor
Explanation: Many poems in 'Razzmatazz!' incorporate humor, showing children how laughter can be a powerful tool for dealing with life’s challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use humor as a coping mechanism during stressful times and to bring joy to themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Confidence in self-expression
Explanation: The variety of voices and styles in the book encourages children to find their unique voice and be confident in sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial in developing presentation skills, participating in discussions, and standing up for themselves in challenging situations.